Elephant care in Thailand has often been misunderstood, particularly by Western tourists who may be influenced by extreme narratives advocating for “no chain, no hook” policies. While well-intentioned, these viewpoints can be unrealistic and even harmful to the elephants themselves, ignoring the complex needs of managing elephants in captivity.

Since the 1989 ban on logging, thousands of elephants became jobless, and releasing them into the wild wasn’t feasible due to the lack of habitat. Today, ethical elephant camps depend on tourism to cover the high costs of caring for elephants—about 540,000 Baht ($16,000) per year for food, shelter, and medical care. Without tourism, many camps would struggle to maintain proper welfare standards.

Criticism of using hooks and chains is often based on misconceptions. When used correctly, a hook allows mahouts to guide elephants safely, preventing dangerous situations, while chains give the animals enough freedom to roam and interact without risking injury. Contrary to popular belief, some “no chain, no hook” camps resort to locking elephants in enclosed spaces, which is far more stressful, comparable to imprisoning humans. Elephants need to move, socialize, and engage with their environment to stay mentally and physically healthy.

Elephant rides, when properly managed, are not harmful. Research shows that elephants can carry up to 25% of their body weight without stress, while two tourists on a fitted seat only account for around 10%. Rides provide essential exercise and stimulation, preventing boredom and aggression.

Calls to boycott elephant camps are not a solution. Tourism helps cover the costs of care, and without it, many elephants would suffer. Instead of supporting extreme views, tourists should look for ethical camps that balance welfare with the realities of elephant care.

To learn more, download the detailed study on sustainable elephant care by scanning the QR code below:

This article is sponsored by Peturday Pattaya